Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS eventually start to accumulate a huge number of temporary files, which data, known as cache, is designed to speed up the launch of applications and system operation, but when it grows too much, it turns into ballast, slowing down the device. Users often notice that the phone begins to slow down, and free space in storage disappears rapidly, although new files do not load.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for cleaning cache, from simple built-in functions to advanced methods for power users. Regular file system maintenance allows you to extend the life of the drive and ensure smooth interface. You will learn how to safely remove temporary files of specific programs and system debris without fear of losing important data or settings.
Many Xiaomi device owners mistakenly believe that good cleaning requires third-party software. In fact, the built-in tools of the MIUI shell have powerful functionality that is often ignored. We will look at why a standard cleaner can be more effective than third-party counterparts, and in which cases it is still worth resorting to manual deletion of data through settings.
Why you need to clean the cache on Xiaomi smartphones
Cache is a buffer memory where applications store frequently used data for quick access, such as a browser that stores copies of pages visited, and social networks that store images from the feed so that they don't re-upload them each time, which saves traffic and speeds up interface response, creating the illusion of instant software.
However, over time, the cache can grow to gigabytes, taking up valuable space in internal memory. Moreover, if files in the cache become corrupted or outdated, this can lead to malfunctioning of applications, their spontaneous closure or incorrect display of content, in which cases, cleaning becomes not just a way to free up space, but a necessary action to restore stability.
⚠️ Note: Clearing the cache does not delete your personal photos, contacts or correspondence. However, some accounts may need to be re-entered, as the files that store the authorization data may also be deleted.
There are several levels of cleaning, each of which solves its own problems: you can only delete temporary files of a particular application, clear the system cache or perform a deep cleaning through the engineering menu. Understanding the difference between these methods will help you choose the most suitable option for the current situation without the risk of losing important data.
Use of the built-in Security application
The easiest and safest way to free up space on Xiaomi Redmi is to use the regular Security app, which is already pre-installed and optimized specifically for the MIUI file structure, and automatically scans the device for junk files, large cache volumes, and unnecessary installation packages.
To get started, open the application and click on the large Cleanup or Accelerate button. The system will perform a quick analysis and suggest removing files that are not critical to the operation of the OS. These can be remnants of remote programs, temporary update files and cache of system services.
After the initial scan, we recommend going to Clean up -> Deep Clean up, where the algorithms work more carefully, analyzing the contents of download folders, screenshots and large files, so you can selectively delete what you don't need, or trust the automatic selection of the system.
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Run a deep cleanup no more than once a week. Deleting all temporary files too often can lead to applications being downloaded longer, as they will have to re-cache.
Importantly, the built-in cleaner doesn’t touch data inside apps, such as messaging or game progress, making it ideal for regular preventive maintenance.You can be sure that your personal data will remain intact as long as you free up hundreds of megabytes of space.
Manually cleaning the cache of individual applications
Sometimes the problem with the phone is not the total amount of garbage, but a specific application that mismanages its temporary files, in which case you need to manually clean through the system settings, which allows you to point the problem program without affecting the rest.
Go to the Settings menu and select the App. In the list of all installed programs, find one that is suspicious (for example, consumes a lot of memory or freezes often). Click on it to open the detailed control menu.
In the window that opens, look for the Memory or Storage section, and here you will see two main buttons: Clear cache and Clear everything (or Reset), the first one deletes only temporary files, the second one completely resets the application to the state immediately after installation, removing logins and settings.
☑️ Check before cleaning the application
When you click Clear Cache, the system will instantly free up space, and if the app is slow because of a crowded buffer, you will notice an improvement in its speed of launch, which is particularly effective for browsers, social networks, and instant messengers, which tend to accumulate gigabytes of media files.
⚠️ Warning: Be extremely careful with the Clear Data button, which removes your authorization and local app settings, and only use it if you plan to reconfigure the program or troubleshoot serious errors.
Cleaning the cache through the Recovery Engineering Menu
For deeper cleaning, affecting system temporary files, you can use Recovery mode. This method is useful if the phone is unstable after an update or installing applications causes conflicts.
To get into this menu, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the recovery menu appears.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Find Wipe Data and select Wipe Cache. The system will warn you that the data will be deleted - confirm the action. After the procedure, select Reboot to restart.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
This method doesn't delete your personal files, photos or contacts, because it only affects the system partition of the cache, but it does require a certain amount of care when navigating, and if you randomly select Wipe All Data, the phone will go back to factory settings and all data will be lost.
Comparison of cleaning methods and their effect on the system
The choice of cleaning method depends on your goal: whether you just need to make room or solve a specific technical problem, each method has its advantages and risks, and understanding these differences will help to avoid accidental data loss and optimize the care of the device.
The built-in MIUI tools are ideal for everyday use, whereas manually cleaning applications solves problems with specific software. Recovery mode is a "heavy artillery" for system failures. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of methods.
| Cleaning method | Security of data | Efficiency | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Annex | Tall. | Medium | Low. |
| Application settings | High (for cache) | High (point) | Medium |
| Recovery mode | Average (risk of error) | Very high. | Tall. |
| Third-party programmes | Low (access to data) | Medium | Low. |
Using third-party software-cliner programs such as Clean Master or CCleaner often does not give an advantage over embedded tools. Moreover, they can be aggressively advertised, consume battery resources and request excessive permissions. In modern versions of Android and MIUI, the system effectively manages memory itself, and the intervention of third-party software is often unnecessary.
Prevention and optimization of storage
To avoid having to resort to radical cleaning measures, it is worth implementing several habits for caring for your smartphone. Regular prevention takes less time than dealing with the consequences of overcrowded memory. First of all, keep an eye on app updates in the Google Play store or GetApps.
Developers are constantly optimizing their products by fixing bugs that can lead to cache proliferation. It is also recommended to periodically check the Downloads folder, where forgotten files, installation files, and other files are accumulated. APK-files and saved images from messengers.
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Auto-cleaning through the Scheduled Safety app is the best way to keep order without you involved. Set up a weekly scan, and the phone will suggest removing the trash.
Use cloud services like Google Photos or Yandex.Disk with auto-delete local copies after download. This will store thousands of photos without taking up a single byte of your phone’s internal memory. For messaging media (Telegram, WhatsApp), set up auto-cleaning the cache in the apps themselves, limiting the media storage period to 3 days or weeks, for example.